Health Encyclopedia

Traveler's Thrombosis: When Sitting Still Can Be Dangerous

What Is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, also known as venous thromboembolism) occurs when a blood clot develops in the deep veins of the legs and groin (the lower-abdomen/upper thigh areas). These deep veins are not visible at the skin's surface, and are not related to
varicose veins. A clot that breaks loose and travels through the deep veins to the heart (heart attack) and lungs (pulmonary embolism) can cause severe blockage of blood flow or death. Clots may also travel to the brain causing a stroke in people born with a hole in their heart.

Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

People who develop DVT don't always have symptoms. However, those who do usually experience the following symptoms in one leg or the other (rarely both):

Symptoms of DVT may include:

Pain

Swelling of a limb

Tenderness along the vein

Warmth

Redness, paleness, or blueness of the skin of the affected limb

Sudden, severe shortness of breath, with or without chest pain, may signal that a clot has traveled to the lungs.

DVT can be diagnosed by
ultrasound imaging tests, which highlight blood flow in the veins and show clot formation. If a clot is found, blood-thinning medication to stabilize the clot and allow it to dissolve will be prescribed immediately. Hospitalization may be required for treatment and observation. Oral medications may be necessary to ensure continued normal blood flow through the vein.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.